Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudraprayag, 13 Aug: In light of the India Meteorological Department’s red alert forecasting very heavy rainfall across Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath Yatra has been suspended for three days starting 12 August. The Rudraprayag district administration, citing safety concerns due to persistent rain, dense fog, and rising river levels, has urged pilgrims not to proceed beyond the Jawadi police post. According to the authorities, despite these advisories, several pilgrims reached Sonprayag using local transport and they even attempted to breach police barricades, resulting in a physical altercation. This clash has been captured on video and has since gone viral on social media.
Superintendent of Police, Rudraprayag, Akshay Prahlad Konde, today confirmed that the yatra was halted purely for safety reasons, as the Kedar Valley route has become hazardous due to continuous downpour and falling debris. He stated that police personnel are stationed at multiple points to prevent further movement of pilgrims, yet around 100 to 150 individuals managed to reach Sonprayag yesterday morning and clashed with the police in an attempt to move forward. The situation was brought under control without any injuries, and the pilgrims were stopped from advancing. Konde further stated that those already at Kedarnath will be escorted back once weather conditions improve.
The viral video of the confrontation has prompted legal scrutiny, with district authorities reportedly initiating an inquiry into the breach of public order. Sources within the administration have indicated that legal action may be taken against individuals who defied official advisories and endangered public safety. The incident has raised questions about enforcement protocols and the accountability of transport operators who facilitated unauthorised movement of pilgrims during the suspension period.
District Magistrate, Rudraprayag, Prateek Jain today asserted that the administration remains on high alert, with disaster management teams, police, and public works personnel deployed across vulnerable stretches. River levels are being closely monitored, and residents near water bodies have been advised to relocate to safer areas. The blocked motor route between Sonprayag and Gaurikund, coupled with risks of rockfalls along the Kedarnath footpath, has made movement almost impossible.
